Could be, but I think future dog owners have the power. If we stop feeding into the pockets of people that don't have some ethical standards they follow when they breed, then we simply should not support them. We need to start going elsewhere for our puppies and stop giving in to those that breed for the sake of breeding. We're the ones that are selfishly keeping BYB's and puppy mills going strong.

I think it's way to much to ask the AKC to monitor and regulate the breeding practices of 150+ breeds of dogs. Each having it's own set of rules and standards they need to follow to produced the best representation (health, conformation, and personality) of that particular breed. That's where I think breed clubs are essential. Each club is dedicated to their breed of choice, knows everything that their needs to know about that breed, and should know what is best for those dogs. I think that's what the YTCA does. It sets rules with the Yorkshire Terrier in mind. It is then our job (pet owner's jobs) to help regulate those standards. Why purchase from someone who breeds willy nilly? Why look for a bargain when we're talking about a living breathing creature? Really it is up to us to support those that have a conscience and are aware that they are either helping or hurting the breed with each litter they bring into the world.

AKC, YTCA, and us "common" folk all need to work together in this.

Welcome to YT! You are a refreshing addition!! I hope you stay.

You make excellent points...but one thing AKC could easily do is refuse to accept registrations from breeders who register an agreed upon number..I vote for 10 litters...does any breeder need more then 10 litters a year...shoot, I would go 20...as it is there is no limit.

There is a huge 3 page article in today's Palm Beach Post about puppymillers and brokers...most of the high dollar pet shops in West Palm beach buy from MO mills...and people do not believe it..perhaps seeing it in the Post will open a few eyes...

West Palm has a lot of money for the impulse purchase of a puppy. It's the uneducated consumer that keeps the mills in business.

SO true...and the so called "Designer" breed is very popular here...and there are people who feel they are "rescuing" to take a pup out of a pet shop...

That's the mentality of many. It seems they do not understand that it is a vicious cycle. Buying saves that puppy but it hurts so many more. It shows the store it can make money, opens the cage for another and in turn puts more money into the mill's pockets which tells the miller to keep breeding because he can sell them. Very hard to walk away from a cute or even a sick puppy you see in a cage in a store, but as hard as it is it is the kindest thing you can do. It's the only way to stop the cycle. :(

I didn't read the guidelines but the age for breeding a female can start at 8 months???? Please tell me this isn't true!!

I have purchased a beautiful baby girl from nikis2 and I think she is a wonderful breeder.... her babies are very well taken care of.. I saw with my own two eyes.... they come with shots and there pedigree papers.... my baby was 10 weeks when I got her.... and she is the best thing I ever bought along with my first furbaby boy,.... If I ever look to but another ... Nikis2 would be the breeder for me.. she is very loving and caring when it comes to her furbabies.... :)

That is very disturbing to me, too. :mad:

Simply go to the AKC web site and it will tell you the ages at which they will accept a litter application from a dam...8 months to 12 years. I have always bred AKC, but never been a big fan of many rules and regs...I am afraid the regulations are not always in the best interest of the dog..but always in the best interest of the breeder..especially the puppymiller.

You mean as long as the AKC accepts litter applications at 8 months, yorkie owners will start breeding them. But they are babies!!!. Let's talk ethical breeders. What is the approx age they start their breeding program?

I agree with you, the AKC is just a registry (a list holder) it is not in no way responsible for what people do.

I am certainly thinking this myself.

I don't think she is a backyard breeder at all.... I got a puppy from her in april and she is doing fine..... she takes care of her dogs with the very best care.... if I get another it will be from her...